The riser is landed on the skate, supported at each end at the riser flanges. The skate is driven to well-centre and the riser latches to the lift tool. if the lift tool is inclined or at a different elevation then a riser lift may be fitted to the skate. Once attached the riser is lifted clear by the travelling block.

Approaching well-centre the lower end of the riser may be tailed out of the bucket using a dedicated tailing arm or drill floor manipulator arm (DMFA) with a riser tailing head.